VisionAware partners with the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) to provide important resources and updated information about glaucoma and other eye conditions.
According to NEHEP, glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States, and it has no early symptoms. Therefore, half of those who have glaucoma are not aware they have it.
There is only one way to find out if you have the condition: get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. While there is no cure for glaucoma, getting a diagnosis and early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision.
Therefore, as we enter a new year and make our resolutions, NEHEP implores you to get a dilated eye exam.
Stories About the Importance of Early Diagnosis, Treatment and Referral to Vision Rehabilitation Services
Former VisionAware Peer Steph McCoy discusses her journey with glaucoma and gives this sage advice:
“I encourage readers to take your glaucoma diagnosis seriously, to find out all you can about it, and adhere to your treatment guidelines and schedule. Ask questions of your doctor and press for clear answers. Also educate your doctor as to the critical importance of learning skills to live with vision loss and referring patients for vision rehabilitation services, so that regardlesss of what happens with their vision, they can live full and productive lives.”
Joe Lovett, film director and producer of the documentary Going Blind, makes this plea in his personal story:
“There are too many people with vision loss who could benefit from much earlier diagnosis and intervention and dramatically increased awareness of what’s possible in vision rehabilitation. I would ask that physicians don’t wait until we’ve lost much of our vision before they talk to us about vision rehabilitation, including the services and resources that can help us live most effectively and plan positively for the future.”
Also, read Jasmine Polite’s story about glaucoma and the importance of learning braille.
Virtual Reality Experience of Glaucoma
NEHEP has put together a virtual reality app, See What I See, which shows what it’s like to live with vision loss from common eye diseases and offers a first-hand look at how conditions like glaucoma can impact your vision. Check out this preview of the glaucoma virtual reality experience.
Additional Information
Adjusting to Changes in My Vision While Making Tough Decisions About My Eye Care – VisionAware.